His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday held several meetings with leaders of South American countries on the sidelines of the third South American-Arab Countries (ASPA) summit in Lima, Peru.

Talks during the meetings, which took place late Tuesday, focused on bilateral ties and the latest developments in the Middle East.

With Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, His Majesty discussed the need to develop cooperation, particularly in the fields of health, tourism, energy and investments. The two leaders agreed that the “distinguished” political ties the two countries enjoy should reflect on their trade, investment and economic cooperation.

Cooperation with Brazil was established under Jordan’s framework agreement with the Mercosur countries: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela.

King Abdullah and Rousseff also discussed regional developments, especially the Syrian crisis, calling for a political solution to end the bloodshed in Syria, while maintaining the unity of the Syrian people.

The King urged the international community to help the Kingdom in its efforts to serve Syrian refugees, whose number now exceeds 200,000, and enable Jordan, which suffers from limited resources, to provide them with their basic needs.

The two leaders also reviewed Mideast peace efforts based on the two-state solution, which is the sole way to achieve security and stability through the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 border with East Jerusalem as its capital.

His Majesty underscored his rejection of any attempt to alter the Muslim and Christian identity of Jerusalem, warning that Israeli measures that target holy sites there will have negative consequences on peace prospects in the region.

During his meeting with Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, the King discussed prospects for further cooperation and the need to increase trade between Jordan and Argentina. Talks also covered the situation in Syria and efforts for regional peace.

His Majesty also met with Chilean President Sebastian Pinera and discussed means to enhance bilateral ties. The two leaders underlined the importance of the ASPA Summit in providing an environment conducive new cooperation opportunities.